The Insight
Percipient thought-pieces and opinions from some
of
the world’s most respected industry leaders.
)
Drawing on her experience creating a brand spokespuppet, Eli Vasiliou, Creative Director at Thinkingbox London, explores why puppets make such memorable advertising characters, and how physical craft, human performance and a little unpredictability give them particular appeal in an age of AI-generated perfection.
The shots Podcast: Best use of claymation
The face-off gets crafty in tribute to World Play-Doh Day, as Co-Editors Danny Edwards and Jamie Madge choose their top five clay-animated ads and pop promos.
Can audiences connect to synthetic characters?
Oriana Tinti, creator of Victoria D. the AI-generated protagonist of an online drama series discusses AI and the tension between emotional truth and digital imagery.
Be more Bosch: Why marketing needs more emotion
Making people feel something is the aim of both art and advertising but, says Annie Harte, Audience Strategy Lead at eight&four, the latter usually relies on highlighting one specific emotion; happiness. So, what if advertisers embraced the approach of 15th century artist Hieronymus Bosch, and targeted the gamut of human emotions?
Natural is a production choice: What child performers reveal about authenticity
Drawing on his experience supporting a young family member’s acting career, Toronto-based writer, filmmaker and independent researcherJoshua W.J. Brown argues that authentic child performances depend not on the absence of production, but on more thoughtful casting, temperament, direction and expectations.
WPP Production’s triple-bid row: The industry responds
Published extracts from leaked WPP Production guidance have reignited debate over competitive bidding and client choice. WPP says the extracts have been selectively quoted and rejects suggestions that it misleads clients or undermines fair competition. shots gathers the industry’s response.
Awards and altruism: How adland decides where to give away its creativity
As charities fight harder for funding and agencies harder for an audience’s time and attention, what makes a cause worth saying yes to? Jonathan Grant looks at whether pro bono work can only thrive if it’s good for everyone involved.
Snapshots - Claire Young, Girl&Bear
shots Co-Editor Danny Edwards talks to Girl & Bear CEO Claire Young about craft, AI, creative production, emerging talent and why human thinking still matters most.
Cracking the connection code
As online ennui and a renewed appetite for IRL meet-ups grow, Caroline Sparkes, Director of Global Brand Marketing, Sparks, suggests we reevaluate the power of offline networking and creative connections.